This week, we’re keeping our roundup short, sweet, and a little random.

Our lineup has only three articles today, all on topics we feel pretty passionate about: First, the oft-varied claims about which marketing channel or idea has recently died; then, some easy-to-implement design tips for non-designers; and, finally, some proven ideas to help you make the most of your mornings.

Sound good? Let’s dive in!

Warning: This editorial article does include the use of a certain expletive that starts with ‘f’. Read with caution if you are sensitive to colorful language. We are not.

The Takeaway: Our favorite thing about this editorial is not the use of the term “numpty” (it’s a close second, though), but the fact that author Mark Ritson – who once himself predicted the death of digital marketing (puh-lease!) – acknowledges that “Nothing is dying, just evolving.”

We’ve been trying to share that message, specifically about direct mail, for a while now. And Ritson is right: the death rumors of all traditional marketing tactics seem to have been greatly exaggerated. Try driving down the highway with your radio turned up and count 1) how many radio commercials you hear and 2) how many billboards you see. Those two tactics were supposedly killed off years ago. But alas, you still hear and see them every 7 minutes or so.

We’ll emphasize here – just because something is still a viable marketing tactic, it doesn’t guarantee that it will be the right choice for your brand, your audience, or your message. Our point is: don’t let your marketing plans be limited by premature claims about the death of A, B, or C tactic. Instead, work with your marketing team or agency to find the channel that makes the most sense for what you hope to accomplish and go boldly forward.

The Takeaway: Don’t get us wrong; we’re not suggesting you fire your professional designer and start taking on the design of all your own projects (especially if we’re your designer!). But we do know that even the most analytical-minded professionals are faced with the task of designing something at some point in their career, be it a product, report, or presentation. When that happens, understanding the elements of an effective design definitely won’t hurt. These quick tips are great for any non-designer – they’re simple, easy to implement, and key to making sure your project isn’t just visually-appealing, but easy to understand.

The Takeaway: Whether or not you consider yourself a morning person, starting your day off right can have a tremendous impact on your energy, productivity, and stress levels for the rest of the day. The great thing is: You don’t have to change everything about your mornings either. Each of these 10 things are “tweaks” that you can gradually introduce into your routine. Sure, you might have to set your alarm a little earlier to fit time in for exercise and eating a real breakfast, but these tweaks will help you feel better (and get more done) throughout the day – all without the need for the proverbial caffeine drip. Sounds like a win-win, right?

What articles did you find particularly interesting or relevant? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter!

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